Biology of Melanoma

Melanoma skin cancer is derived from skin melanocytes and has a high risk of metastatic spread. The era of molecular genetics and next-generation sequencing has uncovered the role of oncogenic BRAFV600E mutations in many melanomas, validated the role of ultraviolet-induced DNA mutations in melanoma formation, and uncovered many of the molecular events that occur during melanoma development. Targeted therapies and immunotherapy have dramatically improved outcomes and provided an increased rate of cure for metastatic melanoma. This article reviews the formation of melanoma, the molecular events involved in melanoma growth and metastasis, and the biology underlying resistance to melanoma therapies.